The leg was staged on an out-and-back course on the Back Barooga Rd.
The traffic was light, and the riders weren’t encumbered by a passing vehicle at the turnaround point.
This can potentially ruin a time triallist’s day, as a few seconds lost at this point can mean the difference between a great ride or a failed opportunity.
Expectations were high when Terry Walmsley left the starting point on the four-lap journey, with Waaia strongman Paul Hogan next.
Terry posted the fourth fastest time on the first leg, with a time of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, and was followed by former Australian age group time trial champion Brian Smith of Yarrawonga, setting a very fast time of 7.46.
He was still in a great position to finish with the fastest time and, at 56 years of age, showed no signs of slowing down.
Tocumwal dairy farmer Troy Alexander, who revels in the opportunity to try himself out against the clock, was allocated the fourth position on the starting grid.
He turned in a time of 8.04 minutes and was also in contention, but the two following riders, Daniel Burrows, the youngest in the field, and 56-year-old Cameron Smith of the Echuca Moama Club, would also have a say in the result.
Cameron, who loses valuable time at the turnaround point, posted the fastest time of the day with 34.51 minutes, adjusted to 31.49 minutes for the entire journey to finish second.
Daniel, who had a minor placing in last week's road race, posted 35.40 (32.20), the third fastest on the day and was awarded fourth place.
Terry finished fifth and, at 62 years of age, is still as “fit as a fiddle”, posting 40.18 (32.32).
Brian Smith was placed first on adjusted time, recording 35.27 (31.39).
Troy set a time of 35.50 (32.10), almost a minute slower than the fastest time, and placed third.
Paul Hogan, now becoming better known as just “Hoges", found the windy conditions difficult and finished in sixth position with a time of 40.18 (37.32).
These events are run on a handicap basis and are a great test of strength and endurance, with most riding a specialised time trial bike.
Riders are much more aerodynamic in the time trial position, sitting very low over the handlebars, which makes it difficult for the uninitiated.
The fifth stage will be run next Sunday, March 10 and will begin at 10am on the Berrigan-Yarrawonga road.
A distance of 18km is planned.
Please come along to bolster the numbers.
